News Release

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a transportation funding package into law Thursday that includes billions of new dollars to improve California's transportation network.

The transportation package outlines funds for public transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects, rail and roadway grade separations, and transportation-related climate adaptation. 

One of the biggest highlights for SANDAG is a $300 million investment for the LOSSAN rail realignment project. SANDAG also is slated to receive $20 million to pay down bond balances. Other priority projects expected to benefit from the budget package are the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project, Central Mobility Hub, regional bikeway projects, and grade separations.

Statement from SANDAG CEO Hasan Ikhrata:

“Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed into law a historic package of infrastructure funding for the state. I applaud the San Diego delegation for making sure our region’s interests were reflected.

I could not be more grateful for Senate President Pro Tem Atkins. She always delivers, and under her leadership, we were able to ensure this year’s state budget will help make the vision in the SANDAG Regional Plan a reality. We have talked for years about moving the rail tracks off the Del Mar Bluffs and with this funding, we can now do it.

I also want to thank Senator Hueso for securing $20 million for SANDAG to pay down bond balances. SANDAG uses bonds to deliver projects quickly and this offers us a chance to continue to maximize our funding as much as we can to serve the people of this region.

Between the state’s historic transportation investments and the new federal infrastructure funding, SANDAG has an unprecedented opportunity to move many of our priority projects - like the LOSSAN Realignment, Otay Mesa East Port of Entry, and Central Mobility Hub – forward.”

Highlights from the state’s transportation package include the following investments related to the SANDAG Regional Plan:

• $7.65 billion to support high-priority transit and rail infrastructure projects statewide, including $1.83 billion for Southern California high-priority transit projects, with $300 million specifically for the LOSSAN rail corridor
• $4.2 billion to advance work on high-speed rail construction and planning
• $1.05 billion to transform active transportation networks statewide
• $350 million for high-priority grade separation projects
• $198 million for local climate adaptation projects